“Organizations and leaders advancing racial justice are under intense pressure from legal, political, and narrative attacks aiming to drive despair and diminish resources for programs that uplift Black communities and communities of color. But in the face of these challenges, The Collective calls on philanthropy, business - along with all who hold the power and will to act - to double down, not back down.” - Lulete Mola, President and Co-Founder of The Black Collective Foundation MN.

ABOUT MN LEAD:

MN LEAD (Legal Education, Advocacy, and Defense)
is a multiracial effort building a robust, interconnected ecosystem that proactively addresses the strategic challenges to race-conscious programming, all while continuing to center the genius of Black-led change.

MN LEAD is expands a proven model in California launched by the California Black Freedom Fund (CBFF), LEAD for Racial Justice, and is the first in a multi-state expansion of the initiative. MN LEAD brings together legal, advocacy, and philanthropic organizations and leaders  to help Minnesota-based organizations navigate the legal landscape, prepare for this pivotal moment, and chart a proactive path forward. The initiative shapes narratives and support strategic efforts to strengthen and connect the ecosystem advancing racial justice.

MN LEAD will provide various resources to the Minnesota racial equity ecosystem in early 2025, including:

Legal Assessment Tool

In-person and Virtual Trainings

FAQs on race-conscious programming and grantmaking

MN LEAD offers a  legal assessment tool, FAQ on race-conscious programming and grantmaking, and other resources. Organizations and leaders also will be able to access educational webinars and in-person training sessions primarily for funders and nonprofit organizations and initiatives serving communities of color, while also considering other sectors such as government, business, and education. These sessions will cover the legal landscape and specific rulings, contextualizing these issues within the broader history of movement building.

THANK YOU TO MN LEAD INITIATIVE ANCHOR FUNDERS

…and special thanks to Minnesota Council on Foundations for amplifying and supporting the work

Margaret A. Cargill Foundation Fund of the Minneapolis Foundation

Why MN LEAD?

In our role as a backbone organization for Black-led change—and the state’s leading philanthropic organization on racial justice—the Black Collective Foundation MN is shaping a Minnesota where all Black people are holistically well, living in dignity and prosperity.

The Collective boldly invests in organizations, leaders, and ideas that embody the genius of Black-led change, working to fulfill the promise of a more just Minnesota. We support courageous visionaries across our state as they usher in a new tomorrow by shifting existing systems and creating news ones.

Today, as we approach the 5-year remembrance of the racial justice uprising that sparked here in Minnesota and ignited across the world, racial justice movements are facing legal attacks intended to drive fear and despair. These litigations are part of a series of coordinated attacks on civil rights, diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, undermining community-led efforts to address structural racism and advance racial equity and racial justice. These lawsuits and rulings are not just about winning or losing; they aim to reduce resources for racial justice and weaken the movement.

The retreat from racial equity and justice began before these lawsuits, and the impact extends beyond the courtroom. In the face of these attacks, our response must be stronger and more determined, and above all, we must remain fearless.

News & Resources

Join Us Today

The Collective is not backing down; we are doubling down. We invite you to support, partner, and benefit from this initiative. If you are a funder, donor, or community organization interested in participating in MN LEAD, please complete the following form. Please note that various resources will be available in early 2025. We appreciate your interest!